Rhoda Grant’s visit to Fort William : Belford Hospital and Invernevis House Care Home

29 July 2010

Over the past three weeks Rhoda Grant Highlands and Islands MSP has been out and about in her constituency meeting various organisation, groups and individuals and conducting surgeries to allow the community to get in touch with her in relation to local or individual issues.

On Thursday 22 July 2010 Rhoda visited Fort William and was accompanied by local Councillor Brian Murphy.

Amongst the places visited was the Belford Hospital and Invernevis House Care Home.

Rhoda said "I was pleased to visit the Belford Hospital with Councillor Brian Murphy.

"I have been receiving representations from members of the public regarding the changes at Belhaven Ward and was pleased to be shown through both sites and hear suggestions of changes that could be made as to the location of various services which would benefit patients and staff alike.

"It was also hoped that this would help the hospital run more efficiently.

"While I was there I sought and was given assurances that these changes would be put out to the public for consultation and that their views would be taken on board before any final decisions are made".

Mrs Grant continued "I like everyone else had heard rumours of closure of the Belhaven Ward.

"However I was reassured that there was no plan to close the building only to consult on the services available there and at the Belford main building.

"There will be some changes to services.

"However it is hoped that an improved layout and re-design of services will improve the experience for patients who visit both Belhaven and the Belford.

After visiting Invernevis care Home she said, " Councillor Murphy also took me to visit Invernevis House Care Home - which was particularly enjoyable as we picked the afternoon when the ceilidh was on and were wonderfully entertained!

"I was impressed by the services available at the Home but it was very clear that it is in need of major works to bring it up to modern standards.

"Now that its future is more secure the community needs to work together to ensure that it receives this much needed investment".

Mrs Grant continued, " Brian Murphy told me that the Council was making funding available to improve and re-furbish their care homes.

"However there will be competition for this funding.

"Brian is making the case for Invernevis to be first in line for the investment - and I believe he is right as this work is long overdue.

"However, it is important that the community support this move as there will be competition from other areas.

"Brian told me of his disappointment that the money was not available for a new build because of the failures of the international banking system and the consequent cuts to public spending, but is determined to fight on to keep Invernevis House in Council control and make sure that the required improvements are made.

Councillor Murphy said later: "I have recently had discussions with senior colleagues and Social Work officials regarding re-furbishment for Invernevis and over the next few months I will be pressing them further for an early commitment to this work."

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